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Chung DC, Garcia-Batres CR, Millar DG, Wong SWY, Elford AR, Mathews JA, Wang BX, Nguyen LT, Shaw PA, Clarke BA, Bernardini MQ, Sacher AG, Crome SQ, Ohashi PS. Generation of an Inhibitory NK Cell Subset by TGF-β1/IL-15 Polarization. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1904-1912. [PMID: 38668728 PMCID: PMC11149900 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
NK cells have been shown to exhibit inflammatory and immunoregulatory functions in a variety of healthy and diseased settings. In the context of chronic viral infection and cancer, distinct NK cell populations that inhibit adaptive immune responses have been observed. To understand how these cells arise and further characterize their immunosuppressive role, we examined in vitro conditions that could polarize human NK cells into an inhibitory subset. TGF-β1 has been shown to induce regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo; we therefore investigated if TGF-β1 could also induce immunosuppressive NK-like cells. First, we found that TGF-β1/IL-15, but not IL-15 alone, induced CD103+CD49a+ NK-like cells from peripheral blood NK cells, which expressed markers previously associated with inhibitory CD56+ innate lymphoid cells, including high expression of GITR and CD101. Moreover, supernatant from ascites collected from patients with ovarian carcinoma also induced CD103+CD49a+ NK-like cells in vitro in a TGF-β-dependent manner. Interestingly, TGF-β1/IL-15-induced CD103+CD56+ NK-like cells suppressed autologous CD4+ T cells in vitro by reducing absolute number, proliferation, and expression of activation marker CD25. Collectively, these findings provide new insight into how NK cells may acquire an inhibitory phenotype in TGF-β1-rich environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C. Chung
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carlos R. Garcia-Batres
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas G. Millar
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie W. Y. Wong
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alisha R. Elford
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica A. Mathews
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ben X. Wang
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Linh T. Nguyen
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia A. Shaw
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Blaise A. Clarke
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marcus Q. Bernardini
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adrian G. Sacher
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Q. Crome
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Li X, He X, Li Z, Chen Y. Biomarker screening in fetal growth restriction based on multiple RNA-seq studies. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2023; 20:100259. [PMID: 37954535 PMCID: PMC10637895 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a severe pathological complication associated with compromised fetal development. The early diagnosis and prediction for FGR are still unclear. Sequencing technologies present a huge opportunity to identify novel biomarkers. However, limitation of individual studies (e.g., long lists of dysregulated genes, small sample size and conflicting results) hinders the selection of the best-matched ones. Study design A multi-step bioinformatics analysis was performed. We separately reanalyzed data from four public RNA-seq studies, followed by a combined analysis of individual results. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on DESeq2. Then, function enrichment analyses and protein-protein interaction network (PPI) were conducted to screen for hub genes. The results were further verified by using external microarray data. Results A total of 65 dysregulated genes (50 down and 15 upregulated) were identified in FGR compared to controls. Function enrichment and PPI analysis revealed ten hub genes closely related to FGR. Validation analysis found four downregulated candidate biomarkers (CEACAM6, SCUBE2, DEFA4, and MPO) for FGR. Conclusions The use of omics tools to explore mechanism of pregnancies disorders contributes to improvements in obstetric clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Xin He
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Zhengpeng Li
- Microbiota Division, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
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Chromogranin A: An Endocrine Factor of Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054986. [PMID: 36902417 PMCID: PMC10002927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a state of physiological and hormonal changes. One of the endocrine factors involved in these processes is chromogranin A, an acidic protein produced, among others, by the placenta. Although it has been previously linked to pregnancy, no existing articles have ever managed to clarify the role of this protein regarding this subject. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to gather knowledge of chromogranin A's function with reference to gestation and parturition, clarify elusive information, and, most importantly, to formulate hypotheses for the future studies to verify.
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Robertson SA, Moldenhauer LM, Green ES, Care AS, Hull ML. Immune determinants of endometrial receptivity: a biological perspective. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1107-1120. [PMID: 35618356 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation and early placental development. They exert tissue-remodeling and immune regulatory roles-acting to promote epithelial attachment competence, regulate the differentiation of decidual cells, remodel the uterine vasculature, control and resolve inflammatory activation, and suppress destructive immunity to paternally inherited alloantigens. From a biological perspective, the endometrial immune response exerts a form of "quality control"-it promotes implantation success when conditions are favorable but constrains receptivity when physiological circumstances are not ideal. Women with recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage may exhibit altered numbers or disturbed function of certain uterine immune cell populations-most notably uterine natural killer cells and regulatory T cells. Preclinical and animal studies indicate that deficiencies or aberrant activation states in these cells can be causal in the pathophysiological mechanisms of infertility. Immune cells are, therefore, targets for diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention. However, current diagnostic tests are overly simplistic and have limited clinical utility. To be more informative, they need to account for the full complexity and reflect the range of perturbations that can occur in uterine immune cell phenotypes and networks. Moreover, safe and effective interventions to modulate these cells are in their infancy, and personalized approaches matched to specific diagnostic criteria will be needed. Here we summarize current biological understanding and identify knowledge gaps to be resolved before the promise of therapies to target the uterine immune response can be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - M Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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5
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Dynamic changes in regulatory T cells during normal pregnancy, recurrent pregnancy loss, and gestational diabetes. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 150:103492. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Ceeraz S, Thompson CR, Beatson R, Choy EH. Harnessing CD8 +CD28 - Regulatory T Cells as a Tool to Treat Autoimmune Disease. Cells 2021; 10:2973. [PMID: 34831195 PMCID: PMC8616472 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
T regulatory cell therapy presents a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with autoimmune diseases or who are undergoing transplantation. At present, the CD4+ Treg population has been extensively characterized, as a result of defined phenotypic and functional readouts. In this review article, we discuss the development and biology of CD8+ Tregs and their role in murine and human disease indications. A subset of CD8+ Tregs that lack the surface expression of CD28 (CD8+CD28- Treg) has proved efficacious in preclinical models. CD8+CD28- Tregs are present in healthy individuals, but their impaired functionality in disease renders them less effective in mediating immunosuppression. We primarily focus on harnessing CD8+ Treg cell therapy in the clinic to support current treatment for patients with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard Beatson
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK;
| | - Ernest H. Choy
- CREATE Centre, Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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Foyle KL, Sharkey DJ, Moldenhauer LM, Green ES, Wilson JJ, Roccisano CJ, Hull ML, Tremellen KP, Robertson SA. Effect of Intralipid infusion on peripheral blood T cells and plasma cytokines in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1328. [PMID: 34408876 PMCID: PMC8358997 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Intravenous infusion of Intralipid is an adjunct therapy in assisted reproduction treatment (ART) when immune‐associated infertility is suspected. Here, we evaluated the effect of Intralipid infusion on regulatory T cells (Treg cells), effector T cells and plasma cytokines in peripheral blood of women undertaking IVF. Methods This prospective, observational pilot study assessed Intralipid infusion in 14 women exhibiting recurrent implantation failure, a clinical sign of immune‐associated infertility. Peripheral blood was collected immediately prior to and 7 days after intravenous administration of Intralipid. Plasma cytokines were measured by Luminex, and T‐cell subsets were analysed by flow cytometry. Results A small increase in conventional CD8+ T cells occurred after Intralipid infusion, but no change was seen in CD4+ Treg cells, or naïve, memory or effector memory T cells. Proliferation marker Ki67, transcription factors Tbet and RORγt, and markers of suppressive capacity CTLA4 and HLA‐DR were unchanged. Dimensionality‐reduction analysis using the tSNE algorithm confirmed no phenotype shift within Treg cells or other T cells. Intralipid infusion increased plasma CCL2, CCL3, CXCL8, GM‐CSF, G‐CSF, IL‐6, IL‐21, TNF and VEGF. Conclusion Intralipid infusion elicited elevated pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and a minor increase in CD8+ T cells, but no change in pro‐tolerogenic Treg cells. Notwithstanding the limitation of no placebo control, the results do not support Intralipid as a candidate intervention to attenuate the Treg cell response in women undergoing ART. Future placebo‐controlled studies are needed to confirm the potential efficacy and clinical significance of Intralipid in attenuating cytokine induction and circulating CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Foyle
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Jasmine J Wilson
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Cassandra J Roccisano
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences University of South Australia Adelaide SA Australia
| | - M Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Kelton P Tremellen
- School of Medicine Flinders University Adelaide SA Australia.,Repromed Pty Ltd Dulwich SA Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute Adelaide Medical School University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
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8
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The role of decidual regulatory T cells in the induction and maintenance of fetal antigen-specific tolerance: Imbalance between regulatory and cytotoxic T cells in pregnancy complications. Hum Immunol 2021; 82:346-352. [PMID: 33642099 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fetal antigen-specific tolerance is important for maintaining allogeneic pregnancies. Maternal conventional T cells recognize fetal antigens; however, regulatory T (Treg) cells suppress immune reactions against the fetus. Fetal antigen-specific Treg cells are induced in the decidua upon contact with antigen-presenting cells and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Functional alteration of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) in the decidua also contributes to maintaining the pregnancy. Reduced, dysfunctional, and imbalanced Treg cell distribution likely contributes to the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage and preeclampsia. Recent studies have revealed differences in Treg cell characteristics during preeclampsia and miscarriage. Treg cell reduction in the decidua is likely associated with miscarriage. Insufficient expansion of fetal antigen-specific Treg cells in the decidua probably plays a role in preeclampsia pathogenesis. In addition, the balance between Treg cell-mediated tolerance and functional alteration of CTLs is important. Further investigations of functional molecules in Treg cells will contribute to the development of immunotherapy for pregnancy complications.
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Ehsani M, Mohammadnia-Afrouzi M, Esmaeilzadeh S, Tajalli Z, Jafari M, Shahbazi M. Decreased Frequency of CD8 +HLA-G + T Cell in the Peripheral Blood of Primary Unexplained Infertile Females. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1939-1944. [PMID: 33449350 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Most of the findings have focused on the importance of CD4+HLA-G+ and CD8+HLA-G+ regulatory T cells (Treg) during pregnancy. It has been demonstrated that these HLA-G+ T cell subsets could induce maternal immune tolerance against semi-allogenic conceptus during pregnancy. There are only a few experiments regarding the Treg cells in the context of unexplained infertility (UI). Thirty-five participants including 18 primary unexplained infertile and 17 fertile females were enrolled in this study. A total of 3-5 ml blood samples were taken, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated by using Ficoll. Using a flow cytometer, the frequency of CD4+HLA-G+ and CD8+ HLA-G+ T cells was assessed in the peripheral blood samples of primary unexplained infertile and fertile females. Our results showed that the frequency of CD8+HLA-G+ Treg cells was significantly lower in primary unexplained infertile females than fertile females (P = 0.048). Although the frequency of CD4+HLA-G+ Treg cells in the primary unexplained infertile females was lower than fertile females, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.25). Regarding the important role of CD8+HLA-G+ Treg cells during pregnancy and its decrease in females with primary UI, it seems that reduced CD8+ HLA-G+ Treg cells could be a leading immunological factor in the context of infertility. Nevertheless, more researches are needed in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Ehsani
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mousa Mohammadnia-Afrouzi
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Esmaeilzadeh
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Zahra Tajalli
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Shahbazi
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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Krop J, Heidt S, Claas FHJ, Eikmans M. Regulatory T Cells in Pregnancy: It Is Not All About FoxP3. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1182. [PMID: 32655556 PMCID: PMC7324675 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In pregnancy, the semi-allogeneic fetus needs to be tolerated by the mother's immune system. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a prominent role in this process. Novel technologies allow for in-depth phenotyping of previously unidentified immune cell subsets, which has resulted in the appreciation of a vast heterogeneity of Treg subsets. Similar to other immunological events, there appears to be great diversity within the Treg population during pregnancy, both at the maternal-fetal interface as in the peripheral blood. Different Treg subsets have distinct phenotypes and various ways of functioning. Furthermore, the frequency of individual Treg subsets varies throughout gestation and is altered in aberrant pregnancies. This suggests that distinct Treg subsets play a role at different time points of gestation and that their role in maintaining healthy pregnancy is crucial, as reflected for instance by their reduced frequency in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Since pregnancy is essential for the existence of mankind, multiple immune regulatory mechanisms and cell types are likely at play to assure successful pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to understand the complete microenvironment of the decidua, preferably in the context of the whole immune cell repertoire of the pregnant woman. So far, most studies have focused on a single mechanism or cell type, which often is the FoxP3 positive regulatory T cell when studying immune regulation. In this review, we instead focus on the contribution of FoxP3 negative Treg subsets to the decidual microenvironment and their possible role in pregnancy complications. Their phenotype, function, and effect in pregnancy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Krop
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Heidt
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frans H J Claas
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Michael Eikmans
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Morita K, Tsuda S, Kobayashi E, Hamana H, Tsuda K, Shima T, Nakashima A, Ushijima A, Kishi H, Saito S. Analysis of TCR Repertoire and PD-1 Expression in Decidual and Peripheral CD8 + T Cells Reveals Distinct Immune Mechanisms in Miscarriage and Preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1082. [PMID: 32582176 PMCID: PMC7283903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells, the most abundant T cell subset in the decidua, play a critical role in the maintenance of pregnancy. The majority of decidual CD8+ T cells have an effector memory phenotype, while those in the peripheral blood display a naive phenotype. An increased amount of highly differentiated CD8+ T cells in the decidua indicates local antigen stimulation and expansion, albeit these CD8+ T cells are suppressed. In decidual CD8+ T cells, co-inhibitory molecules such as PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, and CTLA-4 are upregulated, reflecting the suppression of cytotoxicity. Previous studies established the importance of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction for feto-maternal tolerance. CD8+ T cells could directly recognize fetal-specific antigens, such as HLA-C, expressed by trophoblasts. However, although fetal-specific CD8+ T cells have been reported, their TCR repertoires have not been identified. In this study, we analyzed the TCR repertoires of effector memory CD8+ T cells (CD8+ EM cells) and naive CD8+ T cells (CD8+ N cells) in the decidua and peripheral blood of women with normal or complicated pregnancy and examined PD-1 expression at a single-cell level to verify whether antigen-specific CD8+ T cells accumulate in the decidua and to identify immunological differences related to the suppression of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells between normal pregnancy, miscarriage, and preeclampsia. We observed that some TCRβ repertoires, which might recognize fetal or placental antigens, were clonally expanded. The population size of clonally expanded CD8+ EM cells was higher in the decidua than in the peripheral blood. CD8+ EM cells began to express PD-1 during the course of normal pregnancy. We found that the total proportion of decidual CD8+ EM cells not expressing PD-1 was increased both in miscarriage and in preeclampsia cases, although a different mechanism was responsible for this increase. The amount of cytotoxic CD8+ EM cells increased in cases of miscarriage, whereas the expression of PD-1 in clonally expanded CD8+ EM cells was downregulated in preeclampsia cases. These results demonstrated that decidual CD8+ EM cells were able to recognize fetal-specific antigens at the feto-maternal interface and could easily induce fetal rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Sayaka Tsuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Eiji Kobayashi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hamana
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kei Tsuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Akemi Ushijima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kishi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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12
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Huang X, Liu L, Xu C, Peng X, Li D, Wang L, Du M. Tissue-resident CD8 + T memory cells with unique properties are present in human decidua during early pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 84:e13254. [PMID: 32329123 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Resident memory T (TRM ) cells reside in the uterus during pregnancy may play an important role in balancing maternal-fetal tolerance with anti-infectious immunity. Although CD8+ TRM and decidual CD8+ T cells have been extensively characterized, the properties of decidual CD8+ TRM (dTRM ) cells remain poorly defined. METHOD OF STUDY We investigated the heterogeneity, phenotypes, and functions of dTRM cells, and compared the proportion of dTRM cells between normal pregnancy and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) using flow cytometry. Moreover, we cocultured peripheral CD8+ T (CD8+ pT) cells with trophoblast, or decidual stomal cells (DSCs) in the presence or absence of anti-TGF-β antibody or TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor to explore the effects of maternal-fetal environment on decidual CD8+ TRM cell formation. RESULTS We found that CD69+ CD103+ TRM cells were abundant in CD8+ dT cells but not in CD4+ dT cells with effector-memory (EM, CD45RA- CCR7- ) phenotypes. The percentage of dTRM cells from RSA patients was significantly higher than that from normal pregnancy. Furthermore, dTRM cells showed increased expressions of chemokine receptors, T-cell exhaustion-related molecules, and produced more anti-inflammatory cytokines and effector cytokines upon stimulation. Moreover, DSCs produced a considerable level of TGF-β and upregulated CD103 expression on CD69+ CD8+ pT cells, which can be significantly reversed by blocking TGF-β receptor. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that TRM cells with unique properties are present in the decidua during human early pregnancy. They possess an enhanced capacity to produce effector cytokines and regulatory molecules, which might be important in the balance between maternal-fetal immune tolerance and the capacity to aggressively respond to infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Huang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Xu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiandong Peng
- Shanghai Jiai Genetics & IVF Institute, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Dajin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Kassegne L, Bourgarit A, Fraisse P. [Parardoxical reaction following tuberculosis treatment in non HIV-infected patients]. Rev Mal Respir 2020; 37:399-411. [PMID: 32386802 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A paradoxical reaction is the worsening of prior existing, or the appearance of, new tuberculous lesions, following the initiation of treatment with anti-tuberculous drugs, after the exclusion of poor compliance, malabsorption, drug interaction or multiresistant mycobacteria. Well known and well managed in the context of HIV coinfection, it is not well known outside this context. An increasing number of publications have described this syndrome. This review aims to describe the pathogenic, epidemiological, clinical, prognostic and therapeutic elements of non-HIV-associated paradoxical reactions. It involves a reversal of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced immunodepression along with a heightened detrimental pro-inflammatory profile caused by efficient drug treatment. Extra-thoracic locations, especially lymph nodes and neurological, malnutrition and initial lymphopenia are the principal risk factors. The median delay is 40±20 days after the onset of treatment. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of the management. Anti-TNF-α drugs show good results in corticosteroid refractory cases. The prognosis is good overall except in neurological forms. The place of preventive methods remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Kassegne
- Service de pneumologie, Nouvel hôpital civil, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 1, place de l'hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg cedex, France.
| | - A Bourgarit
- Université Paris 13, Bobigny, France; Service de médecine interne, hôpital Jean-Verdier, HUPSSD AP-HP, Bondy, France; Inserm U1135, centre d'immunologie et des maladies infectieuses, 75013 Paris, France
| | - P Fraisse
- Service de pneumologie, Nouvel hôpital civil, hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, 1, place de l'hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg cedex, France; Groupe pour l'enseignement et la recherche en pneumo-infectiologie de la SPLF, 66, boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris, France
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14
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Ehsani M, Mohammadnia-Afrouzi M, Mirzakhani M, Esmaeilzadeh S, Shahbazi M. Female Unexplained Infertility: A Disease with Imbalanced Adaptive Immunity. J Hum Reprod Sci 2019; 12:274-282. [PMID: 32038075 PMCID: PMC6937763 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_30_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Unexplained infertility (UI) among women consists of only 10-17% of infertile females. Unexplained or idiopathic infertility is a condition, in which couples are not able to conceive without any definite causes. The presence of the decidual immune system (innate or adaptive) is essential for a successful pregnancy and fertility that is mediated by T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, T follicular helper, CD8+ CD28− T, and regulatory T cells, as well as autoantibodies such as antiphospholipid antibody, antithyroid antibody, antiovarian antibody, cytokines, and chemokines. Therefore, altered proportions or levels of the mentioned compartments of the adaptive immune system may cause pregnancy failure and infertility, especially in UI. Consequently, a deep understanding of immunological compartments in females with UI may help us to define the causes of this disease with regard to immunology. This review will discuss immunological factors, including cellular, molecular components, and transcription factors that are involved in the etiology of UI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Ehsani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran
| | - Mousa Mohammadnia-Afrouzi
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mirzakhani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran
| | - Sedighe Esmaeilzadeh
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shahbazi
- Infertility and Health Reproductive Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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15
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Interaction of Pregnancy-Specific Glycoprotein 1 With Integrin Α5β1 Is a Modulator of Extravillous Trophoblast Functions. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111369. [PMID: 31683744 PMCID: PMC6912793 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) serve immunomodulatory and pro-angiogenic functions during pregnancy and are mainly expressed by syncytiotrophoblast cells. While PSG mRNA expression in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) was reported, the proteins were not previously detected. By immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, we show that PSGs are expressed by invasive EVTs and co-localize with integrin 5. In addition, we determined that native and recombinant PSG1, the most highly expressed member of the family, binds to 51 and induces the formation of focal adhesion structures resulting in adhesion of primary EVTs and EVT-like cell lines under 21% oxygen and 1% oxygen conditions. Furthermore, we found that PSG1 can simultaneously bind to heparan sulfate in the extracellular matrix and to 51 on the cell membrane. Wound healing assays and single-cell movement tracking showed that immobilized PSG1 enhances EVT migration. Although PSG1 did not affect EVT invasion in the in vitro assays employed, we found that the serum PSG1 concentration is lower in African-American women diagnosed with early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia, a pregnancy pathology characterized by shallow trophoblast invasion, than in their respective healthy controls only when the fetus was a male; therefore, the reduced expression of this molecule should be considered in the context of preeclampsia as a potential therapy.
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16
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Pannu N, Singh R, Sharma S, Chopra S, Bhatnagar A. Altered Tregs and oxidative stress in pregnancy associated lupus. Adv Rheumatol 2019; 59:38. [PMID: 31412940 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-019-0082-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease generally affecting woman in the reproductive age. It is associated with an altered level of Tregs and oxidative stress while an increase in Tregs, and different antioxidant mechanisms to combat oxidative stress are essential for successful pregnancy. Hence, this study aims to determine the level of CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs and oxidative stress in pregnant lupus patients. METHODS Ten healthy and 10 pregnant lupus volunteers from the North Indian population, within the age group of 20-30 years were enrolled in the study. All the patients were non-smokers, non-alcoholics and were not associated or undergoing therapy for any other disease. They had a SLEDAI of 37.4 ± 7.32 with 5.2 ± 1.93 years of disease duration. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring the enzyme activity of anti-oxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and the level of reduced glutathione and lipids peroxidised, spectrophotometrically. Flowcytometry was performed for immunophenotyping to determine CD8+ and CD4+ Tregs. RESULTS Elevated CD8+ Tregs and diminished CD4+ Tregs were observed in pregnant lupus patients. Oxidative stress was significantly increased as the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes and level of reduced glutathione was considerably diminished. There was a substantial increase in the amount of lipids peroxidised. CONCLUSION Pregnant lupus patients undergo considerable level of oxidative stress in comparison to healthy pregnant woman. The decreased level of CD4+ Tregs and an increase in CD8+ Tregs might be another important factor responsible for pregnancy associated complications. Hence, lupus leads to alterations in the necessary conditions for a successful pregnancy, which might eventually cause higher mortality, morbidity and associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveet Pannu
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Rashmi Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Sukriti Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Seema Chopra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Archana Bhatnagar
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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17
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Robertson SA, Green ES, Care AS, Moldenhauer LM, Prins JR, Hull ML, Barry SC, Dekker G. Therapeutic Potential of Regulatory T Cells in Preeclampsia-Opportunities and Challenges. Front Immunol 2019; 10:478. [PMID: 30984163 PMCID: PMC6448013 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a central feature and is implicated as a causal factor in preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Inflammatory mediators and leukocytes, which are elevated in peripheral blood and gestational tissues, contribute to the uterine vascular anomalies and compromised placental function that characterize particularly the severe, early onset form of disease. Regulatory T (Treg) cells are central mediators of pregnancy tolerance and direct other immune cells to counteract inflammation and promote robust placentation. Treg cells are commonly perturbed in preeclampsia, and there is evidence Treg cell insufficiency predates onset of symptoms. A causal role is implied by mouse studies showing sufficient numbers of functionally competent Treg cells must be present in the uterus from conception, to support maternal vascular adaptation and prevent later placental inflammatory pathology. Treg cells may therefore provide a tractable target for both preventative strategies and treatment interventions in preeclampsia. Steps to boost Treg cell activity require investigation and could be incorporated into pregnancy planning and preconception care. Pharmacological interventions developed to target Treg cells in autoimmune conditions warrant consideration for evaluation, utilizing rigorous clinical trial methodology, and ensuring safety is paramount. Emerging cell therapy tools involving in vitro Treg cell generation and/or expansion may in time become relevant. The success of preventative and therapeutic approaches will depend on resolving several challenges including developing informative diagnostic tests for Treg cell activity applicable before conception or during early pregnancy, selection of relevant patient subgroups, and identification of appropriate windows of gestation for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ella S. Green
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alison S. Care
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lachlan M. Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - M. Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Simon C. Barry
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gustaaf Dekker
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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18
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Robertson SA, Care AS, Moldenhauer LM. Regulatory T cells in embryo implantation and the immune response to pregnancy. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4224-4235. [PMID: 30272581 DOI: 10.1172/jci122182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
At implantation, the embryo expresses paternally derived alloantigens and evokes inflammation that can threaten reproductive success. To ensure a robust placenta and sustainable pregnancy, an active state of maternal immune tolerance mediated by CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) is essential. Tregs operate to inhibit effector immunity, contain inflammation, and support maternal vascular adaptations, thereby facilitating trophoblast invasion and placental access to the maternal blood supply. Insufficient Treg numbers or inadequate functional competence are implicated in idiopathic infertility and recurrent miscarriage as well as later-onset pregnancy complications stemming from placental insufficiency, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. In this Review, we summarize the mechanisms acting in the conception environment to drive the Treg response and discuss prospects for targeting the T cell compartment to alleviate immune-based reproductive disorders.
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19
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Schlaudecker EP, Ambroggio L, McNeal MM, Finkelman FD, Way SS. Declining responsiveness to influenza vaccination with progression of human pregnancy. Vaccine 2018; 36:4734-4741. [PMID: 29941326 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.05.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza immunization is universally recommended during pregnancy to protect mothers and their offspring. However, pregnancy-induced shifts in vaccine responsiveness remain poorly defined. METHODS Quantitative and qualitative shifts in the serological response to influenza vaccination were evaluated in healthy women throughout the course of pregnancy. Serum was obtained before and after vaccination among 71 pregnant and 67 non-pregnant women during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 influenza seasons. Serum hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay was used to investigate anti-influenza antibody responses by comparing pre-vaccine and post-vaccine geometric mean titers (GMTs) between groups for each antigen. IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 anti-influenza titers were also evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pregnancy induced shifts in HAI titers and levels of each anti-influenza antibody isotype were evaluated using linear regression models. RESULTS Post-vaccine GMTs at day 28 were significantly reduced for women vaccinated during pregnancy for A/California (H1N1) in 2011 (p = 0.027), A/Perth (H3N2) in 2011 (p = 0.037), and B/Wisconsin in 2012 (p = 0.039). Vaccine responses progressively declined with the initiation of vaccination later in pregnancy. Anti-H1N1 IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 titers were reduced in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls, and these titers declined with pregnancy progression. The most striking differences were found for anti-H1N1 IgG1, where titers decreased by approximately 7% each week throughout pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS HAI responses elicited by immunization were significantly reduced during pregnancy for three different influenza vaccine antigens. Anti-H1N1 IgG1 was significantly lower in pregnant women and decreased throughout the course of pregnancy. Waning serological responsiveness to influenza vaccination with the progression of human pregnancy has important translational implications for when immunization should be optimally administered during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth P Schlaudecker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Lilliam Ambroggio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Monica M McNeal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Fred D Finkelman
- Department of Medicine, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Sing Sing Way
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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20
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Rinaldi SF, Makieva S, Saunders PT, Rossi AG, Norman JE. Immune cell and transcriptomic analysis of the human decidua in term and preterm parturition. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:708-724. [PMID: 28962035 PMCID: PMC5909855 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is labour, both at term and preterm, associated with alterations in decidual lymphocyte densities and widespread changes to the decidual transcriptome? SUMMARY ANSWER The onset of parturition, both at term and preterm, is associated with widespread gene expression changes in the decidua, many of which are related to inflammatory signalling, but is not associated with changes in the number of any of the decidual lymphocyte populations examined. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Given its location, directly at the maternal–foetal interface, the decidua is likely to play a pivotal role in the onset of parturition, however, the molecular events occurring in the decidua in association with the onset of labour, both at term and preterm, remain relatively poorly defined. Using flow cytometry and microarray analysis, the present study aimed to investigate changes to the immune cell milieu of the decidua in association with the onset of parturition and define the decidual gene signature associated with term and preterm labour (PTL). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study used decidual samples collected from 36 women across four clinical groups: term (38–42 weeks of gestation) not in labour, TNL; term in labour, TL; preterm (<35 weeks of gestation)not in labour, PTNL; and preterm in labour, PTL. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Decidual lymphocytes were isolated from fresh decidual tissue collected from women in each of our four patient groups and stained with a panel of antibodies (CD45, CD3, CD19, CD56, CD4, CD8 and TCRVα24-Jα18) to investigate lymphocyte populations present in the decidua (TNL, n = 8; TL, n = 7; PTNL, n = 5; PTL, n = 5). RNA was extracted from decidual tissue and subjected to Illumina HT-12v4.0 BeadChip expression microarrays (TNL, n = 11; TL, n = 8; PTNL, n = 7; PTL, n = 10). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the microarray results. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The relative proportions of decidual lymphocytes (T cells, NK cells, B cells and invariant natural killer (iNKT) cells) were unaffected by either gestation or labour status. However, we found elevated expression of the non-classical MHC-protein, CD1D, in PTL decidua samples (P < 0.05), suggesting the potential for increased activation of decidual invariant NKT (iNKT) cells in PTL. Both term and PTL were associated with widespread gene expression changes, particularly related to inflammatory signalling. Up-regulation of candidate genes in TL (IL-6, PTGS2, ATF3, IER3 and TNFAIP3) and PTL (CXCL8, MARCO, LILRA3 and PLAU) were confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. LARGE SCALE DATA Microarray data are available at www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress under accession number E-MTAB-5353. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Whilst no changes in lymphocyte number were observed across our patient samples, we did not investigate the activation state of any of the immune cell sub-populations examined, therefore, it is possible that the function of these cells may be altered in association with labour onset. Additionally, the results of our transcriptomic analyses are descriptive and at this stage, we cannot prove direct causal link with the up-regulation of any of the genes examined and the onset of either term or PTL. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings demonstrate that the onset of parturition is associated with widespread changes to the decidual transcriptome, and there are distinct gene expression changes associated with term and PTL. We confirmed that an inflammatory signature is present within the decidua, and we also report the up-regulation of several genes involved in regulating the inflammatory response. The identification of genes involved in regulating the inflammatory response may provide novel molecular targets for the development of new, more effective therapies for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB). Such targets are urgently required. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Medical Research Council (grant number MR/L002657/1) and Tommy's, the baby charity. Jane Norman has had research grants from the charity Tommy's and from the National Institute for Health Research on PTB during the lifetime of this project. Jane Norman also sits on a data monitoring committee for GSK for a study on PTB prevention and her institution receives financial recompense for this. The other authors do not have any conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Rinaldi
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Makieva
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P T Saunders
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - A G Rossi
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - J E Norman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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21
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Zeng W, Liu X, Liu Z, Zheng Y, Yu T, Fu S, Li X, Zhang J, Zhang S, Ma X, Liu XR, Qin X, Khanniche A, Zhang Y, Tian F, Lin Y. Deep Surveying of the Transcriptional and Alternative Splicing Signatures for Decidual CD8 + T Cells at the First Trimester of Human Healthy Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:937. [PMID: 29780389 PMCID: PMC5946033 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Decidual CD8+ (dCD8) T cells have been proposed to play important roles in immune protection against the invading pathogens and in tolerance toward the growing semi-allogeneic fetus during early pregnancy. However, their phenotypic and functional characteristics remain poorly defined. Here, we performed the first analysis of the transcriptional and alternative splicing (AS) signatures for human first-trimester dCD8 T cells using high-throughput mRNA sequencing. Our data revealed that dCD8 T cells have distinct transcriptional and AS landscapes when compared with their autologous peripheral blood CD8+ (pCD8) T counterparts. Furthermore, human dCD8 T cells were observed to contain CD8-Treg and effector-memory T-cell subsets, and display enhanced functionality in terms of degranulation and cytokine production on a per-cell basis. Additionally, we have identified the novel splice junctions that use a high ratio of the non-canonical splicing motif GC-AG and found that AS is not a major contributor to the gene expression-level changes between paired pCD8 and dCD8 T cells. Together, our findings not only provide a comprehensive framework of the transcriptional and AS landscapes but also reveal the functional feature of human dCD8 T cells, which are of great importance in understanding the biology of these cells and the physiology of human healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zeng
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinmei Liu
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhicui Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Out-Patient Operatingroom, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Yu
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaliu Fu
- School of Life Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siming Zhang
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Liu
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli Qin
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Asma Khanniche
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuju Tian
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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22
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Miller D, Romero R, Unkel R, Xu Y, Vadillo-Ortega F, Hassan SS, Gomez-Lopez N. CD71+ erythroid cells from neonates born to women with preterm labor regulate cytokine and cellular responses. J Leukoc Biol 2018; 103:761-775. [PMID: 29389020 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5a0717-291rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal CD71+ erythroid cells are thought to have immunosuppressive functions. Recently, we demonstrated that CD71+ erythroid cells from neonates born to women who underwent spontaneous preterm labor (PTL) are reduced to levels similar to those of term neonates; yet, their functional properties are unknown. Herein, we investigated the functionality of CD71+ erythroid cells from neonates born to women who underwent spontaneous preterm or term labor. CD71+ erythroid cells from neonates born to women who underwent PTL displayed a similar mRNA profile to that of those from term neonates. The direct contact between preterm or term neonatal CD71+ erythroid cells and maternal mononuclear immune cells, but not soluble products from these cells, induced the release of proinflammatory cytokines and a reduction in the release of TGF-β. Moreover, PTL-derived neonatal CD71+ erythroid cells (1) modestly altered CD8+ T cell activation; (2) inhibited conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell expansion; (3) suppressed the expansion of CD8+ regulatory T cells; (4) regulated cytokine responses mounted by myeloid cells in the presence of a microbial product; and (5) indirectly modulated T-cell cytokine responses. In conclusion, neonatal CD71+ erythroid cells regulate neonatal T-cell and myeloid responses and their direct contact with maternal mononuclear cells induces a proinflammatory response. These findings provide insight into the biology of neonatal CD71+ erythroid cells during the physiologic and pathologic processes of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ronald Unkel
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yi Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Felipe Vadillo-Ortega
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Branch at Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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23
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Orlovic M, Tomic V, Vukojevic K, Hudic I, Mandic V, Azinovic I, Soldo D, Kajic M, Soljic V. Decreased expression of MMP-9 in CD8 + cells in placenta with severe preeclampsia. Biotech Histochem 2017; 92:288-296. [PMID: 28498052 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2017.1309069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared the number of CD4-positive (CD4+) and CD8-positive (CD8+) cells in severe and non-severe preeclampsia (PE), and in normal pregnancy. We also evaluated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Immunohistochemistry for CD4+ and CD8+ was performed on the decidua basalis of 15 severe and 13 non-severe PE women and compared to decidual tissue of 19 normal pregnancies (control group). Co-expression of MMP-9 with CD8+ and CD4+ cells was determined by double immunofluorescence staining. The median number of CD8+ cells/mm2 was significantly lower for the severe PE group than for the normal pregnancy group, as was the number of CD4+ cells and MMP-9+CD8+ cells. No statistical difference was found between the non-severe PE group and the normal pregnancy group. The significant decrease of CD4+, CD8+ and MMP-9+CD8+ cells at the fetal-maternal interface only in the severe PE group suggests that immunological disorders play a role in the pathophysiology of severe PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Orlovic
- a Department of Gynecology , University Hospital in Mostar
| | - V Tomic
- a Department of Gynecology , University Hospital in Mostar.,b Faculty of Health Studies , University of Mostar
| | - K Vukojevic
- c Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Histology and Embryology , School of Medicine, University of Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina.,d Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy , Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split , Split , Croatia
| | - I Hudic
- e Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center , Tuzla
| | - V Mandic
- a Department of Gynecology , University Hospital in Mostar
| | - I Azinovic
- c Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Histology and Embryology , School of Medicine, University of Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - D Soldo
- a Department of Gynecology , University Hospital in Mostar
| | - M Kajic
- a Department of Gynecology , University Hospital in Mostar
| | - V Soljic
- c Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Histology and Embryology , School of Medicine, University of Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina.,f Department of Pathology , Cytology and Forensic Medicine, University Hospital in Mostar , Mostar , Bosnia and Herzegovina
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24
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Han M, Yao Y, Zeng W, Wang Y, Feng L, Zhao J. Complexes of trophoblastic peptides and heat shock protein 70 as a novel contraceptive vaccine in a mouse model. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 32:457-65. [PMID: 26847794 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The concept of contraceptive vaccines has interested reproductive biologists and immunologists for nearly 2 decades, but no approach has been approved. In this study, a new immunocontraceptive vaccine that targets placental trophoblasts was expored. We demonstrated that after in-vitro binding with heat shock protein 70, trophoblast-derived peptides can activate T cells both in vitro and in vivo. The activated T cells have a Th1 bias and specifically cause cytolysis of trophoblasts, leading to the termination of pregnancy. Such activated T cells seem to have an effect on early gestation, rather than influencing preimplantation. We did not observe side-effects of this vaccine in mice. In conclusion, a novel contraceptive strategy is described that uses heat shock protein 70-trophoblastic peptide complexes to generate a specific T-cell immune response against placental trophoblasts. This type of vaccine targeting the post-implantation phase does not generate a permanent effect but possibly raises an ethical issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wangjiang Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lin Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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25
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PD-1 and Tim-3 pathways are associated with regulatory CD8+ T-cell function in decidua and maintenance of normal pregnancy. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1738. [PMID: 25950468 PMCID: PMC4669692 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are critical in the balance between fetal tolerance and antiviral immunity. T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) are important negative immune regulatory molecules involved in viral persistence and tumor metastasis. Here, we demonstrate that Tim-3+PD-1+CD8+ T cells from decidua greatly outnumbered those from peripheral blood during human early pregnancy. Co-culture of trophoblasts with CD8+ T cells upregulated PD-1+ and/or Tim-3+ immune cells. Furthermore, the population of CD8+ T cells co-expressing PD-1 and Tim-3 was enriched within the intermediate memory subset in decidua. This population exhibited high proliferative activity and Th2-type cytokine producing capacity. Blockade of Tim-3 and PD-1 resulted in decreased in vitro proliferation and Th2-type cytokine production while increased trophoblast killing and IFN-γ producing capacities of CD8+ T cells. Pregnant CBA/J females challenged with Tim-3 and/or PD-1 blocking antibodies were more susceptible to fetal loss, which was associated with CD8+ T-cell dysfunction. Importantly, the number and function of Tim-3+PD-1+CD8+ T cells in decidua were significantly impaired in miscarriage. These findings underline the important roles of Tim-3 and PD-1 pathways in regulating decidual CD8+ T-cell function and maintaining normal pregnancy.
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26
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Solano ME, Kowal MK, O'Rourke GE, Horst AK, Modest K, Plösch T, Barikbin R, Remus CC, Berger RG, Jago C, Ho H, Sass G, Parker VJ, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ, Hecher K, Karimi K, Arck PC. Progesterone and HMOX-1 promote fetal growth by CD8+ T cell modulation. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:1726-38. [PMID: 25774501 DOI: 10.1172/jci68140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects up to 10% of pregnancies in Western societies. IUGR is a strong predictor of reduced short-term neonatal survival and impairs long-term health in children. Placental insufficiency is often associated with IUGR; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of placental insufficiency and IUGR are largely unknown. Here, we developed a mouse model of fetal-growth restriction and placental insufficiency that is induced by a midgestational stress challenge. Compared with control animals, pregnant dams subjected to gestational stress exhibited reduced progesterone levels and placental heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1) expression and increased methylation at distinct regions of the placental Hmox1 promoter. These stress-triggered changes were accompanied by an altered CD8+ T cell response, as evidenced by a reduction of tolerogenic CD8+CD122+ T cells and an increase of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Using progesterone receptor- or Hmox1-deficient mice, we identified progesterone as an upstream modulator of placental Hmox1 expression. Supplementation of progesterone or depletion of CD8+ T cells revealed that progesterone suppresses CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity, whereas the generation of CD8+CD122+ T cells is supported by Hmox1 and ameliorates fetal-growth restriction in Hmox1 deficiency. These observations in mice could promote the identification of pregnancies at risk for IUGR and the generation of clinical interventional strategies.
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27
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Vanders RL, Murphy VE, Gibson PG, Hansbro PM, Wark PAB. CD8 T cells and dendritic cells: key players in the attenuated maternal immune response to influenza infection. J Reprod Immunol 2014; 107:1-9. [PMID: 25453203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2014.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy provides a unique challenge for maternal immunity, requiring the ability to tolerate the presence of a semi-allogeneic foetus, and yet still being capable of inducing an immune response against invading pathogens. To achieve this, numerous changes must occur in the activity and function of maternal immune cells throughout the course of pregnancy. Respiratory viruses take advantage of these changes, altering the sensitive balance of maternal immunity, leaving the mother with increased susceptibility to viral infections and increased disease severity. Influenza virus is one of the most common respiratory virus infections during pregnancy, leading to an increased risk of ICU hospitalisations, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and even death. Whilst much research has been performed to understand the changes that must take place in maternal immunity during pregnancy, considerable work is still needed to fully comprehend this tremendous feat. To date, few studies have focused on the alterations that occur in maternal immunity during respiratory virus infections. This review highlights the role of dendritic cells (DCs) and CD8 T cells during pregnancy, and the changes that occur in these antiviral cells following influenza virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Vanders
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Vanessa E Murphy
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Peter G Gibson
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; The Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Peter A B Wark
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; The Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
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28
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Ruocco MG, Chaouat G, Florez L, Bensussan A, Klatzmann D. Regulatory T-cells in pregnancy: historical perspective, state of the art, and burning questions. Front Immunol 2014; 5:389. [PMID: 25191324 PMCID: PMC4139600 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we first revisit the original concept of "suppressor T-cells" in pregnancy, put it in a historical perspective, and then highlight the main data that licensed its resurrection and revision into the concept of "regulatory T-cells" (Tregs) in pregnancy. We review the evidence for a major role of Tregs in murine and human pregnancy and discuss Treg interactions with dendritic and uterine natural killer cells, other players of maternal-fetal tolerance. Finally, we highlight what we consider as the most important questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ruocco
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
- INSERM, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
| | | | - Laura Florez
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
- INSERM, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
| | | | - David Klatzmann
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
- INSERM, UMRS 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (I3), Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Biotherapy (CIC-BTi) and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (i2B), Paris, France
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29
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Jebbawi F, Fayyad-Kazan H, Merimi M, Lewalle P, Verougstraete JC, Leo O, Romero P, Burny A, Badran B, Martiat P, Rouas R. A microRNA profile of human CD8(+) regulatory T cells and characterization of the effects of microRNAs on Treg cell-associated genes. J Transl Med 2014; 12:218. [PMID: 25090912 PMCID: PMC4440568 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-014-0218-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, regulatory T (Treg) cells have gained interest in the fields of immunopathology, transplantation and oncoimmunology. Here, we investigated the microRNA expression profile of human natural CD8+CD25+ Treg cells and the impact of microRNAs on molecules associated with immune regulation. Methods We purified human natural CD8+ Treg cells and assessed the expression of FOXP3 and CTLA-4 by flow cytometry. We have also tested the ex vivo suppressive capacity of these cells in mixed leukocyte reactions. Using TaqMan low-density arrays and microRNA qPCR for validation, we could identify a microRNA ‘signature’ for CD8+CD25+FOXP3+CTLA-4+ natural Treg cells. We used the ‘TargetScan’ and ‘miRBase’ bioinformatics programs to identify potential target sites for these microRNAs in the 3′-UTR of important Treg cell-associated genes. Results The human CD8+CD25+ natural Treg cell microRNA signature includes 10 differentially expressed microRNAs. We demonstrated an impact of this signature on Treg cell biology by showing specific regulation of FOXP3, CTLA-4 and GARP gene expression by microRNA using site-directed mutagenesis and a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, we used microRNA transduction experiments to demonstrate that these microRNAs impacted their target genes in human primary Treg cells ex vivo. Conclusions We are examining the biological relevance of this ‘signature’ by studying its impact on other important Treg cell-associated genes. These efforts could result in a better understanding of the regulation of Treg cell function and might reveal new targets for immunotherapy in immune disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Jebbawi
- Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121, Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
- Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121, Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Makram Merimi
- Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121, Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Philippe Lewalle
- Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121, Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | | | - Oberdan Leo
- Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121, Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Pedro Romero
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Research of the University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Arsene Burny
- Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121, Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Bassam Badran
- Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Immunology, EDST-PRASE, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath-Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Philippe Martiat
- Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121, Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Redouane Rouas
- Experimental Hematology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 121, Boulevard de Waterloo, 1000, Bruxelles, Belgium.
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30
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Schumacher A, Zenclussen AC. Regulatory T cells: regulators of life. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:158-70. [PMID: 24661545 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy still represents one of the most fascinating paradoxical phenomena in science. Immediately after conception, the maternal immune system is challenged by the presence of foreign paternal antigens in the semen. This triggers mechanisms of recognition and tolerance that all together allow the embryo to implant and later the fetus to develop. Tolerance mechanisms to maintain pregnancy are of special interest as they defy the classical immunology rules. Several cell types, soluble factors, and immune regulatory molecules have been proposed to contribute to fetal tolerance. Within these, regulatory T cells (Treg) are one of the most studied immune cell populations lately. They are reportedly involved in fetal acceptance. Here, we summarize several aspects of Treg biology in normal and pathologic pregnancies focusing on Treg frequencies, subtypes, antigen specificity, and activity as well as on factors influencing Treg generation, recruitment, and function. This review also highlights the contribution of fetal Treg in tolerance induction and addresses the role of Treg in autoimmune diseases and infections during gestation. Finally, the potential of Treg as a predictive marker for the success of assisted reproductive techniques and for therapeutic interventions is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Department of Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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31
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Clark DA. The use and misuse of animal analog models of human pregnancy disorders. J Reprod Immunol 2014; 103:1-8. [PMID: 24725995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that the differences between placentation in humans and rodents, such as mice, are sufficient to render human pregnancy unique and to justify ignoring data generated using mice. Detailed examination of the placenta-decidua interaction and decidual NK cell composition in humans, and mice, show that the principles are the same. Indeed, the rat placenta is useful in showing an intermediary arrangement between humans and mice. This is consistent with the thesis of Darwin that structures of older species evolve with development of new species to provide a survival advantage. Molecular details may differ between species, but also between individuals given gene polymorphisms. Human data on interaction of HLA-C2 with NK cell KIR receptors has been used to suggest that human pregnancy problems such as recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth retardation, and pre-eclampsia are due to lack of activation of true uterine NK cell (TuNK) functions that promote trophoblast cell growth and invasion which prevents such problems. But when TuNKs bear certain KIR phenotypes, pathology results. It is shown that such mechanisms could only be pertinent in less than one-third of recurrent miscarriage patients. Activated blood-type NK cells that enter the uterus (BuNKs) remain the major effector of pregnancy loss in humans, and this is consistent with data from the mouse. The importance of activated BuNKs in pre-eclampsia and fetal growth retardation merits further investigation as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction are also manifest in the CBAxDBA/2 mouse model where activated NK cells are the initiator of abortions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Clark
- McMaster University Department of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Room 3H1E, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto General Research Institute, Canada.
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32
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Liu Y, Lan Q, Lu L, Chen M, Xia Z, Ma J, Wang J, Fan H, Shen Y, Ryffel B, Brand D, Quismorio F, Liu Z, Horwitz DA, Xu A, Zheng SG. Phenotypic and functional characteristic of a newly identified CD8+ Foxp3- CD103+ regulatory T cells. J Mol Cell Biol 2014; 6:81-92. [PMID: 23861553 PMCID: PMC3927769 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjt026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β and Foxp3 expressions are crucial for the induction and functional activity of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T (iTreg) cells. Here, we demonstrate that although TGF-β-primed CD8(+) cells display much lower Foxp3 expression, their suppressive capacity is equivalent to that of CD4(+) iTreg cells, and both Foxp3(-) and Foxp3(+) CD8+ subsets have suppressive activities in vitro and in vivo. CD8(+)Foxp3(-) iTreg cells produce little IFN-γ but almost no IL-2, and display a typical anergic phenotype. Among phenotypic markers expressed in CD8(+)Foxp3(-) cells, we identify CD103 expression particularly crucial for the generation and function of this subset. Moreover, IL-10 and TGF-β signals rather than cytotoxicity mediate the suppressive effect of this novel Treg population. Therefore, TGF-β can induce both CD8(+)Foxp3(-) and CD8(+)Foxp3(+) iTreg subsets, which may represent the unique immunoregulatory means to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Qin Lan
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Institute of Immunology, Shanghai East Hospital at Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Maogen Chen
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Zanxian Xia
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jilin Ma
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Julie Wang
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Huimin Fan
- Institute of Immunology, Shanghai East Hospital at Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Institute of Immunology, Shanghai East Hospital at Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Bernhard Ryffel
- University of Orleans and CNRS UMR7355, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, Orleans 45071, France
| | - David Brand
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
| | - Francisco Quismorio
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Zhongmin Liu
- Institute of Immunology, Shanghai East Hospital at Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - David A. Horwitz
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Anping Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Institute of Immunology, Shanghai East Hospital at Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
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33
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Du MR, Guo PF, Piao HL, Wang SC, Sun C, Jin LP, Tao Y, Li YH, Zhang D, Zhu R, Fu Q, Li DJ. Embryonic trophoblasts induce decidual regulatory T cell differentiation and maternal-fetal tolerance through thymic stromal lymphopoietin instructing dendritic cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:1502-11. [PMID: 24453244 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Physiological pregnancy requires the maternal immune system to recognize and tolerate embryonic Ags. Although multiple mechanisms have been proposed, it is not yet clear how the fetus evades the maternal immune system. In this article, we demonstrate that trophoblast-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) instructs decidual CD11c(+) dendritic cells (dDCs)with increased costimulatory molecules; MHC class II; and Th2/3-type, but not Th1-type, cytokines. TSLP-activated dDCs induce proliferation and differentiation of decidual CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells into CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) through TGF-β1. TSLP-activated dDC-induced Tregs display immunosuppressive features and express Th2-type cytokines. In addition, decidual CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) Tregs promote invasiveness and HLA-G expression of trophoblasts, resulting in preferential production of Th2 cytokines and reduced cytotoxicity in decidual CD56(bright)CD16(-) NK cells. Of interest, decreased TSLP expression and reduced numbers of Tregs were observed at the maternal-fetal interface during miscarriage. Our study identifies a novel feedback loop between embryo-derived trophoblasts and maternal decidual leukocytes, which induces a tolerogenic immune response to ensure a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Rong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital and Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
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Chaouat G. Effectors regulatory T cells in pregnancy (and autoimmunity?). Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 3:861-9. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.3.6.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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35
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Fetomaternal immune cross-talk and its consequences for maternal and offspring's health. Nat Med 2013; 19:548-56. [PMID: 23652115 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 405] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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B7h (ICOS-L) maintains tolerance at the fetomaternal interface. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:2204-13. [PMID: 23578385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In a successful pregnancy, the semiallogeneic fetus is not rejected by the maternal immune system, which implies tolerance mechanisms protecting fetal tissues from maternal immune attack. Here we report that the ICOS-B7h costimulatory pathway plays a critical role in maintaining the equilibrium at the fetomaternal interface. Blockade of this pathway increased fetal resorption and decreased fetal survival in an allogeneic pregnancy model (CBA female × B6 male). Locally in the placenta, levels of regulatory markers such as IDO and TGF-β1 were reduced after anti-B7h monoclonal antibody treatment, whereas levels of effector cytokines (eg, IFN-γ) were significantly increased. In secondary lymphoid organs, enhanced IFN-γ and granzyme B production (predominantly by CD8(+) T cells) was observed in the anti-B7h-treated group. The deleterious effect of B7h blockade in pregnancy was maintained only in CD4 knockout mice, not in CD8 knockout mice, which suggests a role for CD8(+) T cells in immune regulation by the ICOS-B7h pathway. In accord, regulatory CD8(+) T cells (in particular, CD8(+)CD103(+) cells) were significantly decreased after anti-B7h monoclonal antibody treatment, and adoptive transfer of this subset abrogated the deleterious effect of B7h blockade in fetomaternal tolerance. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that B7h blockade abrogates tolerance at the fetomaternal interface by enhancing CD8(+) effector response and reducing local immunomodulation mediated by CD8(+) regulatory T cells.
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Clark DA, Chaouat G. Regulatory T cells and reproduction: how do they do it? J Reprod Immunol 2012; 96:1-7. [PMID: 23021867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) identified by expression of Foxp3 play an important role in successful implantation and gestation. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain their actions, and the more credible and less credible are set out in this review. Induction of Treg cells is believed to occur in response to paternal antigens in seminal plasma at the time of mating, and these Treg cells home to the uterus prior to implantation. Tolerogenic dendritic cells are proposed to play an important role in the generation of Treg cells in the draining lymph nodes and in maintaining Treg activity in the uterus. Recent data indicate that abortion in the CBAxDBA/2 model may be prevented by seminal plasma antigens from DBA/2 and BALB/c males, but H-2(d) restriction suggests that presentation to Treg cells might occur via a novel mechanism. The relevance of findings in mice to human pregnancy problems is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Clark
- Departments of Medicine, Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre Rm 3H1E, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1.
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Oreshkova T, Dimitrov R, Mourdjeva M. A cross-talk of decidual stromal cells, trophoblast, and immune cells: a prerequisite for the success of pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 68:366-73. [PMID: 22672047 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2012.01165.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation and formation of a functional placenta are complex processes that require a plethora of regulatory mechanisms involving both mother and embryo cells. Recently, an important role in this complicated cells and factors network was assigned to the decidual stromal cells (DSC) and trophoblast cells. Decidualization includes biochemical changes that trigger DSC to produce a number of factors required for the implantation and induction of immunotolerance in maternal immune system. Immunotolerance is achieved by a cascade of strictly controlled events starting with selective homing of immune cells to the feto-maternal site, regulated proliferation, and predominant differentiation into a regulatory type of immune cells. Furthermore, cytotoxic effector functions are reduced owing to the influence of steroid hormones, factors, cytokines, and inhibitory receptors. Altogether the entire immune system of the mother is switched to tolerogenic functional state which is a prerequisite for the successful maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetelina Oreshkova
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Placental expression of CD100, CD72 and CD45 is dysregulated in human miscarriage. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35232. [PMID: 22606231 PMCID: PMC3350501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Context and Objective The etiology of miscarriage is often multifactorial. One major cause, immunological rejection of the fetus, has not been clearly elucidated. Our aim was to establish whether the semaphorin CD100, its natural receptor CD72, and the glycoprotein CD45, implicated in immune mechanisms, are involved in pregnancy loss by examining their placental expression with real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting techniques. Patients Placenta tissue from 72 Caucasian women undergoing surgical uterine evacuation due to early spontaneous pregnancy loss between the 8th and 12th week of gestation was divided into four groups based on miscarriage number. Gestational age-matched placentas from 18 healthy women without a history of miscarriage undergoing voluntary pregnancy termination were the control group. Placenta from 6 Caesarean deliveries performed at 38–40 weeks of gestation was also studied. Results CD100, CD72 and CD45 were expressed in placenta and exhibited different mRNA and protein levels in normal pregnancy and miscarriage. In particular, protein levels were highly dysregulated around 10 weeks of gestation in first and second miscarriage placentas. The CD100 soluble form was produced and immediately shed from placental tissue in all samples. Conclusions Fetal CD100, CD72 and CD45 seem to play a role in miscarriage. The present data support the involvement of the fetal immune system in pregnancy maintenance as well as failure.
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Peterson RA. Regulatory T-cells: diverse phenotypes integral to immune homeostasis and suppression. Toxicol Pathol 2012; 40:186-204. [PMID: 22222887 DOI: 10.1177/0192623311430693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T-cells (T(REG)) are diverse populations of lymphocytes that regulate the adaptive immune response in higher vertebrates. T(REG) delete autoreactive T-cells, induce tolerance, and dampen inflammation. T(REG) cell deficiency in humans (i.e., IPEX [Immunodysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy and Enteropathy, X-linked syndrome]) and animal models (e.g., "Scurfy" mouse) is associated with multisystemic autoimmune disease. T(REG) in humans and laboratory animal species are similar in type and regulatory function. A molecular marker of and the cell lineage specification factor for T(REG) is FOXP3, a forkhead box transcription factor. CD4(+) T(REG) are either natural (nT(REG)), which are thymus-derived CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) T-cells, or inducible (i.e., Tr1 cells that secrete IL-10, Th3 cells that secrete TGF-β and IL-10, and Foxp3(+) Treg). The proinflammatory Th17 subset has been a major focus of research. T(H)17 CD4(+) effector T-cells secrete IL-17, IL-21, and IL-22 in autoimmune and inflammatory disease, and are dynamically balanced with T(REG) cell development. Other lymphocyte subsets with regulatory function include: inducible CD8(+) T(REG), CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T(REG) (double-negative), CD4(+)Vα14(+) (NKT(REG)), and γδ T-cells. T(REG) have four regulatory modes of action: secretion of inhibitory cytokines (e.g., IL-10 and TGF-β), granzyme-perforin-induced apoptosis of effector lymphocytes, depriving effector T-cells of cytokines leading to apoptosis, or inhibition of dendritic cell function. The role of T(REG) in mucosal sites, inflammation/infection, pregnancy, and cancer as well as a review of T(REG) as a modulatory target in drug development will be covered.
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Lu X, Chen S, Yang L, Zha X, Yang X, Li Y. The expression pattern of CD3 chain genes in fetal/maternal interface. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 16:185-9. [PMID: 21669059 DOI: 10.1179/102453311x12953015767419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In order to investigate the features of T-cell immune status in human placenta, the expression levels of CD3-gamma, -delta, -epsilon and -zeta chain genes in placenta were analyzed by real-time PCR. Umbilical cord blood obtained at delivery from the full-term healthy babies was used as a control. The beta2-microglobulin gene was employed as an endogenous reference, and the evaluations of mRNA expression level of each CD3 gene were used by the 2(-ΔC(t))×100% method. The expression level of CD3-gamma, -epsilon and -zeta genes (mean rank is 0.13, 0.34, and 0.49 respectively) from placenta were significantly lower than those from CB (P<0.0001). CD3-delta genes (mean rank is 5.71) expressed stronger from placenta than from CB (P = 0.0.895). Thus, the expression pattern of the four CD3 genes was presented as delta>zeta>epsilon> gamma from placenta and epsilon>gamma>zeta>delta from CB on the contrary. In conclusion, the present study characterized the expression pattern of CD3-gamma, -delta, -epsilon and -zeta chain genes from placenta, which contributes to further understanding of the features of T-cell immune status in placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoye Lu
- Department of Histology & Embryology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Mohammed JP, Fusakio ME, Rainbow DB, Moule C, Fraser HI, Clark J, Todd JA, Peterson LB, Savage PB, Wills-Karp M, Ridgway WM, Wicker LS, Mattner J. Identification of Cd101 as a susceptibility gene for Novosphingobium aromaticivorans-induced liver autoimmunity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:337-49. [PMID: 21613619 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and genetic factors define the susceptibility of an individual to autoimmune disease. Although common genetic pathways affect general immunological tolerance mechanisms in autoimmunity, the effects of such genes could vary under distinct immune challenges within different tissues. In this study, we demonstrate this by observing that autoimmune type 1 diabetes-protective haplotypes at the insulin-dependent diabetes susceptibility region 10 (Idd10) introgressed from chromosome 3 of C57BL/6 (B6) and A/J mice onto the NOD background increase the severity of autoimmune primary biliary cirrhosis induced by infection with Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, a ubiquitous alphaproteobacterium, when compared with mice having the NOD and NOD.CAST Idd10 type 1 diabetes-susceptible haplotypes. Substantially increased liver pathology in mice having the B6 and A/J Idd10 haplotypes correlates with reduced expression of CD101 on dendritic cells, macrophages, and granulocytes following infection, delayed clearance of N. aromaticivorans, and the promotion of overzealous IFN-γ- and IL-17-dominated T cell responses essential for the adoptive transfer of liver lesions. CD101-knockout mice generated on the B6 background also exhibit substantially more severe N. aromaticivorans-induced liver disease correlating with increased IFN-γ and IL-17 responses compared with wild-type mice. These data strongly support the hypothesis that allelic variation of the Cd101 gene, located in the Idd10 region, alters the severity of liver autoimmunity induced by N. aromaticivorans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javid P Mohammed
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Groër MW, Manion M, Szekeres C, El-Badri NS. Fetal microchimerism and women's health: a new paradigm. Biol Res Nurs 2010; 13:346-50. [PMID: 21112916 DOI: 10.1177/1099800410385840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with transfer of maternal cells to the fetus and fetal cells to the mother. In both cases, the transferred cells are described as microchimeric. Fetal microchimeric cells include semi-allogeneic stem cells, which are few in number and are capable of long-term survival in the "foreign" host. They are recognized by the maternal immune system but not rejected or attacked. These cells appear to survive and even thrive for years in a mother's body, perhaps for her lifetime. Previously regarded as potentially dangerous interlopers that might propagate autoimmune and even malignant disease, fetal microchimeric cells are now increasingly being recognized and analyzed for their healing, reparative, and perhaps regenerative roles. Fetal microchimerism (MC) may make significant and previously unknown positive contributions to women's health, longevity, and risk of disease. This article reviews the history, major discoveries, and current concepts and gaps in knowledge in the field of fetal MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen W Groër
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, 12910 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an immunoregulatory enzyme that is implicated in suppressing T-cell immunity in normal and pathologic settings. Here, we describe that spontaneous cytotoxic T-cell reactivity against IDO exists not only in patients with cancer but also in healthy persons. We show that the presence of such IDO-specific CD8(+) T cells boosted T-cell immunity against viral or tumor-associated antigens by eliminating IDO(+) suppressive cells. This had profound effects on the balance between interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing CD4(+) T cells and regulatory T cells. Furthermore, this caused an increase in the production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α while decreasing the IL-10 production. Finally, the addition of IDO-inducing agents (ie, the TLR9 ligand cytosine-phosphate-guanosine, soluble cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4, or interferon γ) induced IDO-specific T cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with cancer as well as healthy donors. In the clinical setting, IDO may serve as an important and widely applicable target for immunotherapeutic strategies in which IDO plays a significant regulatory role. We describe for the first time effector T cells with a general regulatory function that may play a vital role for the mounting or maintaining of an effective adaptive immune response. We suggest terming such effector T cells "supporter T cells."
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Mincheva-Nilsson L. Immune cells and molecules in pregnancy: friends or foes to the fetus? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2010; 2:457-70. [PMID: 20476916 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2.3.457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Considering allograft rejection as a basic feature of the immune system, the mammalian pregnancy is an immunological paradox where the semi-allogeneic fetus is not rejected. How are the demands of pregnancy solved in the context of maternal immunity? Medawar's original proposal of maternal immune inertness during pregnancy should be revised to active materno-placental tolerance. Multiple mechanisms are involved in peripheral and local tolerance induction that prevents fetal rejection while maintaining competent immune surveillance and protection. The goal of this review is to discuss the major cellular and molecular components of the immune system that control and promote fetal survival.
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Abstract
Pregnancy and the postpartum period have a profound effect on autoimmune thyroid disease. Graves disease ameliorates during pregnancy, only to relapse postpartum, whereas postpartum thyroiditis is caused by destructive thyroiditis during the first few months after delivery. The immunology of pregnancy underlies these changes: the mother must maintain tolerance of the fetal semi-allograft while not suppressing her own immune system and exposing herself and the fetus to infection. Nonspecific factors, including hormonal changes, trophoblast expression of key immunomodulatory molecules and a switch to a predominantly T-helper-2-type pattern of cytokines, play some part in the maintenance of transient tolerance to paternal antigens in pregnancy; however, the generation of specific regulatory T (T(REG)) cells is key to this maintenance. T(REG) cells preferentially accumulate in the decidua but may also be present in the mother's circulation and are thus capable of regulating coincidental autoimmune responses through the phenomenon of linked suppression. In turn, this suppression may explain why thyroid autoantibody levels decline during pregnancy, which leads to remission of Graves disease. Postpartum exacerbation of autoimmunity may reflect an imbalance in T(REG) cells, which is caused by the rapid fall in the numbers of these cells after delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony P Weetman
- Department of Human Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, University of Sheffield, The Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK.
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Taglauer ES, Adams Waldorf KM, Petroff MG. The hidden maternal-fetal interface: events involving the lymphoid organs in maternal-fetal tolerance. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2010; 54:421-30. [PMID: 19876825 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.082800et] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The genetic disparity between the mother and fetus has long enticed immunologists to search for mechanisms of maternal tolerance to fetal antigens. The study of antigen-specific tolerance in murine and human pregnancy has gained new momentum in recent years through the focus on antigen-presenting cells, uterine lymphatics and fetal antigen-specific maternal T cell responses. In mice, we now know that these responses occur within the secondary lymphoid structures as they can be conveniently tracked through the use of defined, often transgenic fetal antigens and maternal T cell receptors. Although the secondary lymphoid organs are sites of both immunization and tolerization to antigens, the immunological processes that occur in response to fetal antigens during the healthy pregnancy must invariably lead to tolerance. The molecular properties of these maternal-fetal tolerogenic interactions are still being unraveled, and are likely to be greatly influenced by tissue-specific microenvironments and the hormonal milieu of pregnancy. In this article, we discuss the events leading to antigen-specific maternal tolerance, including the trafficking of fetal antigens to secondary lymphoid organs, the properties of the antigen-presenting cells that display them to maternal T lymphocytes, and the nature of the ensuing tolerogenic response. Experimental data generated from human biological specimens as well as murine transgenic models are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Taglauer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Chaouat G, Petitbarat M, Dubanchet S, Rahmati M, Ledée N. Tolerance to the foetal allograft? Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63:624-36. [PMID: 20367624 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00832.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we will detail the concept of tolerance and its history in reproductive immunology. We will then consider whether it applies to the foetal-maternal relationship and discuss the mechanisms involved in non-rejection of the foeto-placental unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérard Chaouat
- U 782 INSERM, Université Paris Sud, and Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France.
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Joosten SA, van Meijgaarden KE, van Weeren PC, Kazi F, Geluk A, Savage NDL, Drijfhout JW, Flower DR, Hanekom WA, Klein MR, Ottenhoff THM. Mycobacterium tuberculosis peptides presented by HLA-E molecules are targets for human CD8 T-cells with cytotoxic as well as regulatory activity. PLoS Pathog 2010; 6:e1000782. [PMID: 20195504 PMCID: PMC2829052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is an escalating global health problem and improved vaccines against TB are urgently needed. HLA-E restricted responses may be of interest for vaccine development since HLA-E displays very limited polymorphism (only 2 coding variants exist), and is not down-regulated by HIV-infection. The peptides from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) potentially presented by HLA-E molecules, however, are unknown. Here we describe human T-cell responses to Mtb-derived peptides containing predicted HLA-E binding motifs and binding-affinity for HLA-E. We observed CD8(+) T-cell proliferation to the majority of the 69 peptides tested in Mtb responsive adults as well as in BCG-vaccinated infants. CD8(+) T-cells were cytotoxic against target-cells transfected with HLA-E only in the presence of specific peptide. These T cells were also able to lyse M. bovis BCG infected, but not control monocytes, suggesting recognition of antigens during mycobacterial infection. In addition, peptide induced CD8(+) T-cells also displayed regulatory activity, since they inhibited T-cell proliferation. This regulatory activity was cell contact-dependent, and at least partly dependent on membrane-bound TGF-beta. Our results significantly increase our understanding of the human immune response to Mtb by identification of CD8(+) T-cell responses to novel HLA-E binding peptides of Mtb, which have cytotoxic as well as immunoregulatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone A. Joosten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Pascale C. van Weeren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fatima Kazi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Geluk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nigel D. L. Savage
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan W. Drijfhout
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Darren R. Flower
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Willem A. Hanekom
- South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michèl R. Klein
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom H. M. Ottenhoff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Multiplexed immunophenotyping of human antigen-presenting cells in whole blood by polychromatic flow cytometry. Nat Protoc 2010; 5:357-70. [PMID: 20134434 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2009.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We describe two modular protocols for immunostaining and multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of major human antigen-presenting cells (APCs; e.g., dendritic cells, monocytes and B lymphocytes) in minimally manipulated whole blood samples. Simultaneous detection of up to eight colors is enabled by careful selection and testing of cell-subset-defining monoclonal antibodies (anchor markers) in the appropriate fluorochrome combinations, in order to show the quantification of surface expression levels of molecules involved in chemotaxis (e.g., CX(3)CR1 and CCR2), adhesion (e.g., CD11b and CD62L), antigen presentation (e.g., CD83, CD86 and CD209) and immune regulation (e.g., CD101) on circulating APCs. Each immunostaining reaction requires as little as 50-100 microl of peripheral whole blood and no density-gradient separation, and the entire procedure from preparation of reagents to flow cytometry can be completed in <5 h.
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